2026 World Car of the Year finalists announced

BMW iX3, Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf named as top three contenders

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:20pm

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The finalists for the 2026 World Car Awards have been revealed, with the BMW iX3, Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf making the top three for the coveted World Car of the Year title. The winners in all six categories will be announced at the upcoming New York International Auto Show in April.

Why it matters

The World Car Awards are one of the most prestigious automotive honors, recognizing excellence across various categories. The finalists represent the best new vehicles from global automakers, showcasing the latest innovations in design, performance, luxury and sustainability.

The details

A jury of 98 international automotive journalists selected the top three finalists in each of the six award categories. In addition to World Car of the Year, the finalists include World Electric Vehicle of the Year, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Urban Car, and World Car Design of the Year.

  • The finalists were announced on March 18, 2026.
  • The winners will be revealed at the New York International Auto Show in April 2026.

The players

BMW iX3

The first model in BMW's new Neue Klasse electric vehicle lineup, the iX3 is a battery-powered version of the brand's popular X3 SUV.

Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai's flagship three-row SUV, the Palisade, has been redesigned for 2026 and is a finalist for World Car of the Year.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf, one of the pioneering mass-market electric vehicles, has been transformed into a crossover model for 2026 and is also a World Car of the Year finalist.

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What’s next

The winners of the 2026 World Car Awards will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in April 2026.

The takeaway

The diverse group of finalists for the 2026 World Car Awards highlights the rapid evolution of the global automotive industry, with electric, luxury, and performance vehicles all vying for the top honors. Consumers can look forward to seeing the best new vehicles from leading automakers in the coming year.